Abstract: A series of phase-selective gelators (3a~3e) were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra. The phase-selective activity assay was carried out and the results showed that 3c possessed high gelling abilities in powder form for the removal of benzene, toluene, xylenes and petrol from their biphasic mixtures with water via a shaking process at room temperature. In addition, the efficient purification of toxic dye solutions has been realized by using 3d-benzyl alcohol gel as the adsorbent. UV/vis spectroscopy provides the quantification means for the estimation of the purification efficacy. The simple operation and high removal efficiency of the organic solvents from water indicate the promising applicability of these dipeptide gelators in water purification.

Key words: Dipeptide, Powder, Phase-selective gelator, Dye